The sunset
Over the bay.
Wilfredor — CC0 · Genaro Rivas — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wilfredo R. Rodriguez H. — CC0 · Pabp23 — CC BY-SA 3.0
Juan Griego is a calm bay on the north coast of Isla Margarita. Blue water is full of fishing boats, a pale sandy beach curves around it, the island's mountains rise on the horizon, and a small stone fort sits on a hill above the bay. The town of Juan Griego is the northernmost port in Venezuela and the seat of Marcano municipality. It grew into an important port in the early 19th century, and in 1850 the Gothic-style church of San Juan Evangelista was built; with the bay, it is the symbol of the town. It was the island's capital until 1904. You walk the beach among the boats, then climb to La Galera fort on the hill to see the whole bay, and stay to watch the sun set over the water. The bay is about 19 km in a straight line northwest of Porlamar. The climb to the fort is short but steep, so bring water and stay a little past sunset. The UK advises against all but essential travel to Venezuela, so check current advice before you go.
Over the bay.
On the hill.
On the water.
Juan Griego town, north coast of Isla Margarita, Nueva Esparta State
Late afternoon, for sunset from the fort.
The bay is calm, but watch for boats.